Installing a Harmonic Balancer

[msalloum]

I have a 1996 Mercusier 3.0LX. Trying to install a new Harmonic Balancer. I ordered the puller/installer kit, and managed to pull off the old balancer, however, the tool kit I have requires threading one of 8 attachments into the front of the crankshaft. My crankshaft has no threads, and only a small opening that tapers down. Does anyone know of any special tools required for this Mecruiser engine to install a Harmonic balancer.

 

[doman]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

i have just installed mine few weeks ago ...i used a little hammer and a pice of wood to get it back in to place ..just make sure you dont hit the out side eadges of the balancer ...worked great for me<br /><br />Dom

 

[anesthes]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Hitting the balancer is a backyard mechanic mistake. It ruins the hub essembly, and can cause balancer failure.<br /><br />The crank should be threaded inside. <br /><br />-- Joe

 

[msalloum]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Thanks for the responses. I've spoken to a couple of people about this, and the general conclusion is that using an installer is the preferred method, however, I spent the better part of today trying to figure how the installer was suppose to work, and for whatever reason, my crankshaft does not have any threads..so..unless there is another tool that doesn't require threading an adapter into the crankshaft...my only other alternative is using a hammer.

 

[anesthes]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

There was once threads in there, I'm sure. Perhaps they were stripped out at one point.<br /><br />I'd measure the hole, and tap it for the next size up bolt. Then use that. <br /><br />Wacking something on the crank is just. Not good. <br />I've seen guys break the crank snout off, as well as warped balancers, etc.<br /><br />On all cars I put together, we use fluid filled dampers. You gotta be REALLY gentle with those.<br /><br />-- Joe

 

[Rickles]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

There are no threads in the crankshaft.The Merc manual says to drive it on slowly.Using a block of wood or soft drift punch is what I use.Just go slow and you won't do any damage.

 

[vinney]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

No threads on that crankshaft. Block and hammer. Its not always bad to swing a big hammer.

 

[msalloum]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Thanks Rickles....I was hoping someone on this board had access to a Merc service manual.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Listen, this is how you do it. Put the balancer in the oven (make sure the wife is not looking) for about 20 minutes at 200-225 degrees (low heat). Once heated, it will then slide right onto the crank, no hammer necessary. Make sure you use a towel or thick gloves to take it out of the oven.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

hello<br /> wow a Hammer mechanic<br />the proper tool boilts to the front of the engine and uses a pusher bolt to push it back on. some packards old caddy's and 327 chevys as well as some other old stuff used a pusher bracket set up.<br /> if you must use a hammer stand the engine on the flywheel on a 2x12 so the flywheel absorbs the hammer force instead of the crank shaft thrust surface and bearing. it was not designed to hammer on. <br /> good luck and keep posting

 

[vinney]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Rodbolt there is no threads on the 3.0 crankshaft.

 

[anesthes]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

He's talking about the type that bolt in the front of the block. Thats a really old design. <br /><br />Either way no factory uses a hammer..

 

[vinney]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

NO You need to know when to use an hammer and when not to. Experience. There is no hole in the crank on 181cid. GM. engine old or new.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

NO HAMMER! Heat it up, and it falls on to the crank. Once it cools it's stuck on there. All you need to do is heat it up. Been there done this. Trust me.

 

[msalloum]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Steve...I'm doing an in water repair...can another heat source be used, like a propane torch, or will it be too much heat and possibly damage with rubber ring on the balancer.

 

[TwoBallScrewBall]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

Probably be OK, just keep the heat focused on the center hub, and periodically try to fit the balancer on. Might try tapping it on with a rubber mallet to keep the heat at a minimum.

 

[vinney]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

YA Heat it up and take out the crank seal or if you lucky you will take the rubber hub out of your balancer. Good advise Steve. Have you ever done this befor I have many many times. Misinformation AGAIN. Use a hammer and a hard block of wood. There is alot of arm chair guys here. Make sure you bill him if he sends you under the bus. Trust Me

 

[sculbert]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

You have two choices since you are doing this in the water really on one. Use the block toolwith the pusher bolt. they really work; you can even make one very easily. Don't use a hammer. You might get away with using the hammer but do you realy want to take the chance?

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

awww elll<br /> just wang the crank and bearings with a sledger. it does not hurt the babbit.<br /> use a 10 pound sledge with a long handle for leverage or buy the correct tool. I dont think vinny has used the merc tool made for this.<br /> its a pain and usually does not fit with the engine in the hull but if it does not I pull the engine. its only money. better than the lawsuit when the balancer comes apart at 4 grand and bounces about a bit. have I ever driven one on? yep. do I normaly? nope. older cadillacs had no crank snout threads as well as a lot of other engines from the late 50's and early 60's. the design of the 2.5/3.0 is from a chevy truck 153 cid about 1958 or 59.<br />was used in auto and mail jeeps till the late 60's early 70's. was used as a stationary power plant up to today. merc and volvo still use it as a marine power plant. I would love to see it go away in favor of a better package but its here for a few more years.<br /> good luck and swing hard, its only the crank thrust bearing your hitting.

 

[sculbert]

Re: Installing a Harmonic Balancer

LOL I don't what to think of that! Basicly it sounds like you would say pay a mechanic to do it and if it screws up sue him!